Kayseri Mantısı (Turkish Tiny Dumplings)
Kayseri mantısı are tiny Turkish dumplings filled with seasoned minced meat and served with garlicky yogurt and sizzling pepper butter.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Knead the flour, egg, salt, and enough water into a firm, smooth dough. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
- 2
Mix the meat with the squeezed onion, black pepper, and a little salt.
- 3
Roll the dough very thin and cut into small squares, ideally about 2 cm. Add a tiny amount of filling to each.
- 4
Bring the four corners together and pinch firmly to form the characteristic small mantı parcels.
- 5
Boil in salted water until the dough is tender and the filling is cooked, then drain well.
- 6
Mix the yogurt with crushed garlic and salt. Spoon it over the warm mantı.
- 7
Melt the butter with pul biber, drizzle over the yogurt, and finish with dried mint.
Cook notes
Tips
Let the dough rest to make it more pliable.
Serve immediately after cooking for best texture.
Use ground chicken as a lighter meat option.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover Manti in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze uncooked Manti for up to 3 months, separating layers with parchment paper.
- Reheat in a steamer or microwave until heated through.
Substitutions
- Use all-purpose gluten-free flour for gluten-free Dumplings.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Replace plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for a thicker consistency.
What to Serve With
- Garlic bread for dipping.
- Simple cucumber salad for freshness.
- Rice pilaf as a hearty side.
Common Mistakes
- Not rolling the dough thin enough, resulting in chewy dumplings.
- Overfilling the dumplings, making them hard to seal.
- Boiling too many dumplings at once, which can lower the water temperature.
Recipe FAQ
Can I freeze Manti before cooking them?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked Manti. Layer them in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
What is the best meat to use for Manti?
Ground lamb is traditional, but you can also use beef or even a mix of both.
How long can I store leftover Manti?
Cooked Manti can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Skillet
Useful for browning, quick sautes, and weeknight one-pan cooking.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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